The Senate rejected implementing an assault weapons ban Wednesday on an 40-60 vote.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) introduced the assault weapons ban as amendment to a gun control bill being considered by the Senate. Her amendment would have restored the weapons ban that expired in 2004. She said she was “dismayed” at the lack of courage from senators who were voting against gun control measures.

Despite getting the endorsement of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) earlier Wednesday, Feinstein was unable to get the 60 votes necessary to pass her amendment.

“I believe you should have the right to own a gun,” Reid said on the Senate floor. “But you do not need an assault weapon to defend yourself and your property. Assault weapons have one purpose and one purpose alone, to kill a lot of people very quickly.”

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About Doug MataconisDoug holds a B.A. in Political Science from Rutgers University and J.D. from George Mason University School of Law. He joined the staff of OTB in May, 2010 and also writes at Below The Beltway.
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And for the record… If five armed gunmen break into your home simultaneously and you require a “30 round magazine” in order to defend your family you really shouldn’t be allowed to own a weapon at all due to sheer ineptitude.